Musky

I haven't voted because I think it's a bit pointless really. It's easy enough to sign up under a different name, and there are plenty of simple and not so simple ways to avoid an IP ban (and no, I'm not giving clues to what they are).

[quote name='rhughes44' post='338236' date='Nov 27 2008, 11:29 AM']Is this a Scam? If so how does it work? Looks like he paid £674 plus postage plus Import tax for a US powersupply Mesa - and now he is trying to sell it on for £450 ?? What am I missing here?[/quote] The scam here is that the Ebay auction ended on 18th November, the same day as that gumtree ad first went up (he's updated the ad now, so it's showing as a 25th Nov date). So I think it's fair to assume that he doesn't have the amp and has just nicked the identical photos from the completed ebay auction. He advertises in London knowing it's quite likely someone will want the amp posted rather than going to collect. It wouldn't surprise me if he wants paying by Western Union or an open cheque/postal order either.

A quick look at his other auctions show the photos all appear to have been shot in the same place, so if he's nicked them from the web they've come from a single owner. I'd email him back making it clear you want to try it before the auction ends or you won't be bidding.

After a look round on here and ebay I've found a Roland Cube (£115 BIN inc p&p) and a Westone Thunder (£130 + p&p) [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ROLAND-BASS-CUBE-30_W0QQitemZ160300497254"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ROLAND-BASS-CUBE-30_...emZ160300497254[/url] [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=32117"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=32117[/url] The Westones might look a little odd, but they sound and play fantastically. Plus £130 isn't a bad price. Alternatively an SX Jazz with added Precision pickup for £120 inc p&p. The SX's get a lot of love here, as you'll find if you search the gear porn section. [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=27385"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=27385[/url]

The Westfield and Affinity both go for about half what you're looking at - are you looking to spend the rest on an amp? If not for £250 you can get something that will see you for far longer than 1 year, especially if you look secondhand. If I were looking at a new Precision style bass for under £250 I'd probably be checking out the Squier vintage vibes. [url="http://www.guitar.co.uk/guitars/bass/2187-classic_vibe_precision_bass_60s_bass_guitar"]http://www.guitar.co.uk/guitars/bass/2187-...60s_bass_guitar[/url] Edit: Oops - just noticed that you were looking at packages.

[quote name='Happy Jack' post='339222' date='Nov 28 2008, 08:43 AM']I notice that you're looking for 1983 experts, but I doubt if more than 15 or so have responded to this thread. Think you're going to struggle with the other 1968 ...[/quote] Groan! Paul - I can't think of too many copies that have come in a blonde finish like that. I think Tokia have done them, but it might help to narrow things down a bit.

Alex lives in Brighton quite close to an address that was posted if I remember correctly, and he also mentioned that he'd be happy to pay a visit. Maybe PM him to see if he's available.

I wonder if that means the headstock will be changing to something slightly more Fender-like?

I've just noticed the two piece maple neck - compare it to an 83 Jazz Bass [attachment=16427:83_jazz_head.jpg]

I don't think that's an '83 - I'm not sure it's fender. Fender P's abandonded that routing in about 73 and the route looks way too big around the pickups. The tuners are much later and production at Corona didn't start until '87 (I think). There should be a sticker matching the serial on the scratchplate or in the pocket, and those stamps just look far to fresh and over inked. I'm not at all up on the reissues they did in 83, but this doesn't look like a reissue to me.

Call me a cynic, but he's advertising on the London forum when he's based in Birmingham. And he hasn't bothered to advertise on Birmingham gumtree? Edit: [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MINT-MESA-BOOGIE-BIG-BLOCK-750-BASS-GUITAR-AMP-HEAD_W0QQitemZ120333421927"]Completed auction on US ebay[/url]

[quote name='bremen' post='335041' date='Nov 23 2008, 06:02 PM']'he young son bid on it'[/quote] Riiiight. He's got at least one other account in music2004, so I wonder which one has put a bid in this time?

Ah, that's a Korean Bison by the looks of things.

[quote name='waynepunkdude' post='335031' date='Nov 23 2008, 05:49 PM']A friend of mine has one and I think my Encore is better constructed.[/quote] Is that the Korean reissue, or the Jim Burns Ltd one?

I remember when these came out. A few typical innovative burns features on this, like the roller string trees, tuners/nut all mounted on metal plate and the bridge locking mechanism. Not ugly IMHO, but not for me either.

[quote name='warwickhunt' post='334711' date='Nov 23 2008, 08:46 AM']Just had a quick revisit to check out if feedback was ever left for this one and suddenly realised that it was won by an American TalkBasser (Gearhunter420) who regularly buys and sells (particularly MM) basses... it'll be interesting to see if this appears over on TB and what reaction there might be to its authenticity. [/quote] Well if he's bought this to turn a profit I think he's in for a nasty shock.

More Kay firewood [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Fretless-Piccolo-Bass-Beautiful-and-Old_W0QQitemZ170280755870"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Fretless-Piccolo-Bas...emZ170280755870[/url] Best thing that can be said about this is that I like the colour.

[quote name='jango' post='334230' date='Nov 22 2008, 07:26 AM']Thanks for the link. Yeah, I was looking for something fairly cheap, however I've just sorted out some Hipshots from another Basschatter. Never mind, the Hipshots were still a bargain compared to new and no doubt if I'd gone for the cheapies I'd have regretted it later. Me old Nan used to say (in a scratchy voice) " Buy cheap and you'll buy twice!!" STILL trying to source a truss rod cover or means to engrave mine. Don't really want an original Ricky cover, as I'm not trying to pass this off as a real Rick, just something custom. Anyone know someone who can do one? Or a link to how to engrave or make my own?[/quote] Nice one! Your best bet (and certainly the cheapest) for the TRC is still Jon's preferred method. Until '72 Rickenbacker used a clear perspex TRC with the logo silk screened on the back, so using card backed perspex isn't going to look out of place. I have seen computer controlled engraving machines which cut designs into various materials (like Burpster's friend seems to have), but that will leave you with a logo cut [i]into[/i] the TRC rather than standing proud of it like current production Ricks. Incidentally, the guy on ioffer sells fakes - Rickenbacker don't make TRCs available unless you exchange an old one.

Is it the one that's in the For Sale section? [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=32219"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=32219[/url] I thought £250 was a bit hot for my taste, but who knows what some people are prepared to pay. They are quite rare, but of course that doesn't always mean expensive.

Regarding the combo only working on the fx return, but everything else appearing to be ok (if I read that all right), I had this on a laney once. I took it into a tech, but it turned out to be dirt/corrosion on the input jack - it just needed a clean. It had been working fine up until then (and still does) but it was a bit baffling how it just packed in half way through a rehearsal.

Another alternative which is currently getting a lot of people excited is the Hartke LH500 - I think Coda are doing them for around £200 including shipping. Pair it up with something like [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=31244"]this[/url] and you'd have a great set up.

I you're looking for something on the cheap [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vintage-electric-bass-guitar-tuners-No-14-15-or-26_W0QQitemZ130224453640"]these might fit the bill.[/url] They've got enclosed backs, but then so did the vintage grovers Rick used to use, and it wouldn't be obvious from the front.

I'd forgotten about this - it'd be great if you can get the pictures up when your friend returns. Unfortunately the refinish will devalue it hugely, no matter how well done. Collectors prefer an original finish even if it's really worn.

[quote name='Bassassin' post='333013' date='Nov 20 2008, 11:57 AM']To paraphrase, a gentleman is a man who can play a bass solo. And doesn't. Jon.[/quote] That is so going in the quotes thread!

Woah! Top marks that man! If there was an applause smilie I'd be using it right about... now!